Eco friendly ways of storing food all year round?

Posted: February 2009 in Green Living
28
Other than drying food and making mounds/sand pits for storing vegetables. What other (completely self sufficient, and eco friendly) ways are there of storing food? No freezing because that requires electricity. Thank you.
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A Home for Every Green Heart

Posted: February 2009 in Environment
28

According to the Australian Burean of Statistics, around 56 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the home. While it is important that we pressure business and government for sustainable initiatives, some of the easiest changes can be made in our own dwellings. From simple lifestyle changes such as adopting the Green Pages Top 50 tips to a more substantial investment in your home’s design features.

For many, building a sustainable home may seem too challenging, too daunting or just not feasible. Many people claim ‘we can’t afford it’, ‘I already own a home (and am still paying it off!)’, or ‘I’m renting’; these are all ready made excuses that make even the most die-hard greenie resistant to making a more substantial investment in a sustainable home.

‘Money is always one of the major impediments to investing in a sustainable home,’ says Julien Laclave, renewable energy promotions officer for Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society (ANZES). A green home can save a family thousands of dollars a year. ‘We can’t force people to invest in a sustainable renovation or a new home, but we can show them that it really pays off.’ Reduced energy bills from renewable energy sources and more comfortable living conditions that don’t require artificial heating or cooling are just some of the benefits of a sustainably designed home.

Lacave is also the project manager of the ANZES Sustainable House Day, a nationwide event that showcases a number of sutainable homes to the public. This year, over 100 homes were on diplsay and visitors could speak directly with the owners and get first hand information about the home and its sustinable features. Lacave finds taht many attendees come to sources ideas for their own projects. ‘People who visit the homes find it very inspiring. It’s very unique to be able to talk wiht the residents,’ he says.

So what’s behind good green design?

Essentially, building a ‘green home’ is to ensure a house is as ’self sustaining’ as possible. Key features include minimising energy use, rainwater harvesting, managing waste water disposal and even sustaining its inhabitants with a lush green garden. Renowned celebrities such as Csate Blanchett have brough popularity to green residences. Sustainable home design is reaching the mainstream. People are realising eco homes make good sense. Households can lower their energy bills by as much as 50 per cent and save on their water bills. Green homes stay comfortable throughout the year without the aid of artificial heating and cooling, which make them a real pleasure to live in. ‘A sustainable house is just a house that is well designed and cleverly thought out’, says Lacave.

For more information on the green home visit the Green Pages, Australia’s leading directory for all things green.


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Anyone have some good tips for those who finding “Going green” expensive?

Posted: February 2009 in Green Living
28

Let’s face it: Florescent lightbulbs cost more than normal ones, Solar Panels are just plain expensive, Hybrid cars are more expensive, It seems like going green can be expensive.

So what’s some good tips that can help our enviroment without making our wallets empty?

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Does anybody know of good Organic/Eco Friendly websites?

Posted: February 2009 in Other - Home & Garden
27

Hi, I am looking for inexpensive organic foods and eco friendly household products that won’t be to expensive. Our local grocery store has a very small organic section. I am slowly converting and I need garbage bags, cleaners etc. As far as fruits and veggies I am growing my own but kids snacks and that kind of stuff I can’t find thats a resonable price. Does anybody have any good websites they can share? Thanks so much.
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Luxury Egypt Holidays At The Adrere Amellal Oasis Eco Hotel At Siwa

Posted: February 2009 in Travel
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When considering luxury Egypt holidays, or any Egyptian vacation for that matter, the Siwa oasis, and the Adrere Amellal oasis wouldn’t be a place that came immediately to mind. In fact you’ve probably never heard of either.

The Siwa Oasis is where one of the top eco-hotels in Egypt is situated, and the Adrere Amellal is probably one of the finest and most luxurious eco hotels in the world, and as such probably doesn’t feature on a list of package holidays to Egypt at your local travel agent!!

So where is Siwa, and where is the Adrère Amellal Oasis?

Why is the Adrere Amellal considered an essential part of a few knowledgeable peoples Luxury Egypt Holidays?

Siwa Oasis is a large famous Sahara oasis in the north west corner of Egypt, and it will take you eight hours to drive from Cairo. It has a unique culture and history, not to be missed. It’s sensible to overnight in Cairo after your flight in before setting out.

The Adrere Amellal is about 16 kms from the centre of Siwa, and is situated at the base of a majestic white mountain. It consists of a series of traditional houses that have been restored into 10 suites and 27 Casbah style rooms, all offering genuine comfort, and they are all built using local traditional methods. The walls are made of sun dried salt rock mixed with straw, and palm is used for the stylish roof. The furniture and fittings are mostly made of palm trunks, and the region’s handicraft, which is both colourful and very comfortable.

Every single room has a view of Siwa Lake and the Great Sand Sea with oil lamps and candles for lighting.

In the winter coal braziers supply the heat as the nighttimes can be very cold in the desert.

The pool is supplied by an ancient Roman spring, and the Adrere Amellal is totally electricity free, so not only is nightime very romantic with hundreds of candles against a backdrop of the incredible desert sky, but there are no mobile phones, television or trappings of the 21st Century. This alone makes for a luxury Egyptian Holiday never mind the sheer style of the hotel!!

Adrere Amellal is situated beside ancient olive and palm groves, and the food is simply stunning, and organic dining is quite a different experience. You will try fresh yoghurt, thick date syrup, eggs, local fruit, bread, and very rich coffee at breakfast time, and you will eat in one of the natural rocky grottos at the base of the mountain.

Lunch and Dinner are cooked in clay pots, using herbs and vegetables picked from their organic garden. Lunch is vegetarian, served by the pool and the evening meal has a meat base, and is served in a veritable maze of rooms, eaten by candlelight..

Adrere Amellal is totally all inclusive, it doesn’t even have a reception, nor room keys!!

It is truly an amazing place, close to many sights of Siwa, such as Cleopatra’s bath, the Temple of the Oracle Ammun, take 4×4 drives into the Great Sand Sea. All these activities and more are included in the all in price.

Siwa and the Adrere Amellal are unique, and very quickly you will lose stress, slow down to a pace of life where time is measured in fifteen minute chunks, and not seconds. Where you will accept that sand just gets into everything, but you can view an almost forgotten world, and yet return to the civilised superbly well staffed hotel, and sip a cool drink on your verandah, before the stars come up and the candles are lit.

Don’t miss this place for a luxury Egypt holiday, and if you want to see more holidays n Egypt, then go to http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/The-Middle-East/Egypt/


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What is the going rate when buying a green horse?

Posted: February 2009 in Horses
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I would like to know what the normal going cost of a green horse is. She is a registerd QH, going to be three soon. The most handleing she has had is I think one tie lesson and some leading and grooming.
Its my nighbor that is selling her, he said to make an offer. I was looking for more of a price estimate, so that I could at least give him a fare offer for her. If I do buy her I will be training her my self.
She is a registered Bay QH, and will be three soon. She hasn’t had much handleing, just some grooming, leading and one tie lesson as far as I know. I don’t know her breeding lines, all I know is that her mom was a black QH, and is very sweet.
She seems to be very healthy, she runs around her pasture and likes to play with the cows, I believe she will be a good cutting prospect.
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Kerala Eco Tourism

Posted: February 2009 in Travel
20

Kerala is one the most famous eco destination in Kerala. Experience and enjoy the travel to land of beaches, wildlife parks, hill stations, rivers, house boats and backwaters with excellent tailor made tour packages provided by meditripkerala.com

Kerala Eco Tourism aims to let people have insight of the of the local culture and gain personal growth. Comprising of all eco activities like backwater tours, wildlife tours, cruising, birding etc, eco tour to Kerala is the most favorable way to enjoy holidays. Kerala fortunately with its affluent cultural, traditional and natural diversity enables vacationers from all over to enjoy eco vacation in its best way.

Kerala is the most vacationed destination in India. People from all over India come here to treasure its awe inspiring beauty and enjoy the numerous eco activities it offers. Eco tourism in Kerala has become quite popular among the tourists who are interested in environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Government of India is taking its best initiatives to promote tourism in the undeveloped areas and saves the wildlife preserved in the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of the state. Letting the eco travelers enjoy the best possible joy of being in complete equanimity with nature, are the tranquil backwaters of Kerala.

Eco tours in Kerala are conducted to the areas of natural and ecological interest, typically under the guidance of a naturalist, for the purpose learning about the exotic flora and fauna of Kerala as well as observing and understanding the environment. It only involves traveling to the eco region but also conserving them. The aim is to minimize the impact, built cultural and environmental awareness and provide financial benefits to the local people.

If you are interested in eco trip to Kerala, than just tell us where to go, when to go and what is your budget, we will do the rest for you. We present you the enchanting Kerala tourism in the form of various tour packages. We assure you that the eco tours provided by us cover all the major venues from destination replete with natural bounties to places enriched with cultural and historical significance. You can opt any of the Kerala tour itinerary provided by us or you can also plan the tour according to your specific needs and requirements.


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Austin’s Las Casas Verdes Development Brings Solar Eco Responsible Living to Austin

Posted: February 2009 in Real Estate
20

Austin’s first, solar eco responsible neighborhood, the Las Casas Verdes Development, will feature the latest in solar, wind and water energy technologies, and will be the first of its kind in Texas.

Located on approximately three acres in Southwest Austin, near the corner of Longview Road and Cameron Loop off Brodie Lane, the Las Casas Verdes Development will enjoy a convenient, central location, with nearby shopping centers and mass transit routes located less than one mile away. The current demographic of the area includes middle-income, single-family homes with nearby parks and hiking and biking trails. This area also has a nice view of the nearby greenbelt.

Twenty, single-family, architecturally designed homes will be included in the Las Casas Verdes Development, and all of the homes will meet the strict standards of the Austin Green Building Program, Energy Star and LEEDS certifications.

Each home will be custom designed in a Texas farm cottage style and will encompass 1,800 square feet of living space. Although each home will have an overall design concept and architectural detailing, styling and character will differentiate the homes from one another.

The Las Casas Verdes Development developers have included just twenty homes in an effort to concentrate on the quality of the homes. The homes will focus on the comfort and features of today’s lifestyles, yet will all boast energy and money-saving benefits.

For example, some of the comfort features of each home will include a media room, an office alcove and large, exterior decks, while some of the environmentally sensitive features of each home will include a 3KW Solar Photovoltaic System for electrical generation and Solar Thermal Panels for hot water.

Just some of the other energy-saving features of the Las Casas Verdes Development include:

· A complete solar power system with an inverter and a reversing meter for selling excess power back to the public grid

· Optional batteries for on-site energy storage

· Passive solar design systems to best manage sunlight

· Design features, such as overhangs, porches and shade tree, will reduce heat load by providing shade.

· Heat chimneys, operable awning windows and landscape features, combined with natural breezes, will allow for adequate air circulation throughout the home with little or no mechanical assistance.

· Rainwater collection systems will gather water for use in landscaping and toilets.

· Structural insulated panels, which are prefabricated wall and roof panels, will frame the exteriors of the homes for superior insulation, faster construction times and less construction waste.

· Heating and cooling systems with sealed air ducts per Energy Star specifications

· A properly sized 14+ SEER rating

· Heat recirculation HVAC ducts which will reuse pre-heated air during the winter months.

· An in-duct dehumidification system

· Low VOC paints, reflected metal roofs and recycled building materials

· Recirculation hot water systems will provide immediate hot water.

· Multi-speed fans motors and duct controllers will heat and cool only the occupied portions of the home at any given time.


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What are easy and simple ways for teens to go green?

Posted: February 2009 in Green Living
19

I love the environment, and I want to protect it. But I do have difficulty changing my life style drastically so I was wondering what are some easy and simple ways for teens to go green? Sites are also appreciated.

Thanks =)

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Give Earth a Break: Eco-tourism is the Way Forward

Posted: February 2009 in Travel
19

It’s only natural to be shocked by the latest findings of climate scientists at the Centre for Alternative Technology and elsewhere, as we gradually start to understand the impact that our privileged lifestyles have upon the planet and its people.

Disturbing predictions include doomsday situations such as rising sea levels, flooding, chaotic and destructive severe weather causing crop failures and the spread of water-borne diseases, and skin cancers from heightened UV exposure. Such nightmarish scenarios are all too likely to become reality, within our lifetimes, if our energy consumption and pollutant emissions are not seriously curbed.

The aviation industry is the fastest-growing source of climate-changing ‘greenhouse gases’, and Britain is responsible for more emissions from air travel per head than any other country. We love to travel, but with these facts in mind, it’s becoming difficult to imagine jetting off on a ‘well-earned’ foreign holiday without serious cause for concern. However, the growing industry of ethical and ecologically sustainable tourism offers diverse, exciting, adventurous holidays which can minimise impact or even benefit the environment rather than wasting resources and causing harm. Guided walking and cycling tours, for instance, are a great way to see stunning landscapes and learn more about wildlife and plants whilst contributing to the local economy in a responsible, non-exploitative industry.

Solar-powered, self-sufficient B&Bs are springing up in dreamy destinations like Portugal and Normandy. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, how about cross-country skiing in Norway, dog-sledding in Finland or sea kayaking and diving off Croatia? There are hundreds of inspiring destinations in Europe which can be easily reached by Eurostar and train or sea. A night in a cabin on a ferry crossing to Scandinavia, or on one of the luxurious ‘trainhotels’ which cover France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and beyond, can be an exciting, fun experience bringing back some of the traditional romance of travel. Longer-haul overland travel affords unique opportunities to see the world – if you’ve got a backpack and a tent, you’re free to stop off and linger anywhere you please along the way. And anywhere really could be anywhere: there’s even an ‘adventure travel company’ offering a 12-week overland voyage through 20 countries, from London to Sydney, Australia!

For the serious ethical traveller, voluntary conservation projects in beautiful locations, such as Iceland’s National Parks, offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to enjoy and learn about these amazing landscapes while making a real, positive difference for their future.

Eco-tourism and responsible, sustainable living is not necessarily expensive, either; you may actually be pleasantly surprised by the low financial cost of living at a low environmental impact. Consider a cheap and cheerful InterRail pass for total freedom to travel by train, either within one country or the whole of Europe, when compared to the prices of destructive short-haul flights (not to mention getting to and from provincial airports). Still, like any holiday, getting everything booked at once may mean taking a painful bite out of your cashflow, in which case manageable loans could help to spread the cost of your unique adventures. Once you’ve started to explore, you might just find yourself hooked on the feel-good thrills of travelling off the beaten track.


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